Paris: Al Fajar Al Alamia SAOG and Saint-Gobain Middle East have signed a framework agreement to jointly invest in and develop gypsum mining operations in Oman, marking a significant step in expanding cooperation between Omani and French companies in the mining sector.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the French Republic and with the support of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), as part of efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The agreement provides for Saint-Gobain to make a direct investment alongside Al Fajar Al Alamia in an existing gypsum mining and extraction company. The initial phase will focus on exporting gypsum ore for processing at Saint-Gobain’s regional production facilities, with plans to explore the establishment of local manufacturing of finished gypsum products in Oman alongside the construction materials the company already manufactures in the sultanate.

The memorandum of understanding also provides for cooperation in quarry management, manufacturing and production, while facilitating the exchange of technical expertise between the two companies.

According to the agreement, both parties will work together in accordance with international standards covering product quality, environmental protection, sustainability and operational safety, while placing emphasis on job creation and Omanisation. The framework also seeks to establish a long-term partnership supporting the Sultanate’s mining and industrial sectors in line with applicable regulations.

The agreement was signed by Thierry Bernard, vice-president, Saint-Gobain SEMEA, and chairman, Saint-Gobain Middle East, on behalf of the French company, and Haythem bin Mahmoud Macki, chairman, Al Fajar Al Alamia SAOG, on behalf of the Omani company.

Bernard said the agreement reflects Saint-Gobain’s plans to expand its investment and operational activities in Oman. “The signing of this memorandum of understanding marks an important step towards direct collaboration with one of the Sultanate’s leading mining companies and reinforces our confidence in Oman’s competitive investment environment and the opportunities it offers,” Bernard said.

Macki described the agreement as an important milestone for both companies and said the partnership would contribute to the continued development of Oman’s mining sector. “This partnership will undoubtedly support the development of the mining sector and strengthen investor confidence. The decision by a global company such as Saint-Gobain to invest directly in the Sultanate reflects the attractiveness of Oman’s mining investment environment and the government’s continued efforts to attract foreign direct investment into the sector,” Macki said.

He added that the investment is expected to support industrial development, facilitate the transfer of technical expertise and contribute to the localisation of mining- and mineral-related industries.

Saint-Gobain established operations in Oman in 2009 and currently operates two construction chemicals manufacturing facilities in the Sultanate. The latest agreement signals the company’s intention to further expand its presence in the Omani market.

Al Fajar Al Alamia is a public joint-stock company listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) and operates across mining, quarrying, drilling and blasting, and the manufacture of civil explosives. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Awam, the company holds gypsum mining rights as well as quarrying operations, including the Jabroo stone mines.

Saint-Gobain is a global manufacturer of construction materials and solutions, operating in 80 countries with approximately 162,000 employees. The group reported sales of €46.5bn in 2025 and produces a wide range of materials for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.